§ 32 and 33. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether India and Egypt were parties to the arrangement in regard to Colonial Preference; and what articles were to be subject to preference; (2) if he can give any information as to the agreement arrived at with the self-governing Dominions and Colonies as to Colonial Preference?
§ Mr. HEWINSI cannot add anything to the statement made on 1st August in reply to a question addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. India was represented at the Conference.
§ Mr. TERRELLMay I ask my hon. Friend if we are to consider that this arrangement is something secret and something which is not to be disclosed to the public or the Governments concerned?
§ Mr. HEWINSNo; I do not think my hon. Friend quite understands the constitution of the British Empire. [HON. MEMBERS: "Explain it!"] There is no question of an arrangement. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Imperial Conference, at successive meetings extending over a great many years, passed a resolution in favour of Preference within the British Empire. What has now been done is to bring the action of the United Kingdom into conformity with what has been agreed upon unanimously, with the exception of the United Kingdom, at these former Imperial Conferences. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer 270 described fully and accurately exactly what had taken place, and I have nothing whatever to add to his statement.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand then that nothing has taken place?
§ Mr. HEWINSOn the contrary, my hon. Friend has to understand that something very important has taken place.
§ Mr. TERRELLMay I ask if the hon. Member cannot tell us what it is which is so importaant which has taken place?
§ Mr. HEWINSWhat it is that is important that has taken place is that the British Government is in conformity with the resolutions formerly passed by various Imperial Conferences, that on any duties now imposed, and on any duties hereafter to be imposed, preference will be given to the parts of the British Empire.
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSAre we to understand that he implies that India is a party to the agreement?
§ Mr. HEWINSMy right hon. Friend is to understand exactly what I have said—the whole of the British Empire. India was represented at the Imperial Conference.
Mr. H. SAMUELMay I ask whether it is within the competence of the British Government to decide what duties shall be imposed without reference to Parliament?
§ Mr. HEWINSIt is perfectly competent for the British Government to decide anything it likes. It has absolute power in the matter.
§ Mr. TERRELLMay I ask if he can state the amount of the preference which he says is to be given?
§ Mr. HEWINSI have already stated that I have nothing whatever to add to the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. PRINGLEI beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.